Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy is the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body. Chelation therapy has a long history of use in clinical toxicology. For the most common forms of heavy metal intoxication—those involving lead, arsenic or mercury—the standard of care a number of chelating agents are available. DMSA dimercaptosuccinic acid has been recommended for the treatment of lead poisoning in children by Poison Centers around the world. Other chelating agents, such as